A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

the noblest and richest among the Helvetii, anxious to obtain the royal power, formed a conspiracy of the principal chiefs in B. C. 61, and persuaded his countrymen to emigrate from their own country with a view of conquering the whole of Gaul. Two years were devoted to making the necessary preparations; but the real designs of Orgetorix having meantime transpired, the Helvetii brought him to trial for his ambitious projects. Orgetorix, however, by means of his numerous retainers, set justice at defiance; and while the Helvetii were collecting forces to compel him to submit to their laws, he suddenly died, probably, as was suspected, by his own hands. Notwithstanding his death the Helvetii carried into execution the project which he had formed, and were thus the first people with whom Caesar was brought into contact in Gaul. After their defeat a daughter of Orgetorix and one of his sons fell into the hands of Caesar. (Caes. B.G.1.2-4, 26; D. C. 38.31.)